“Led by the Spirit”

Brant Gardner

Nephi's introduction to his experience begins with the statement that he was led by the Spirit. As with many things influenced by the Spirit, this does not necessarily mean a totally blank mind, with no previous volition. Nephi comes near to the house of Laban. It is fairly certain that at least that much information was likely in his mind before he began. Nephi knew that he must deal with Laban, and that he was most likely to find Laban at his house. Therefore, the fact that Nephi is heading in the direction of Laban's house is not in and of itself a result of the Spirit.

It may be, of course, that the particular path Nephi took was dictated by the Spirit, for the essential action of the Spirit was to lead Nephi to an incapacitated Laban.

Multidimensional Commentary on the Book of Mormon

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